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Juventus boss Antonio Conte welcomes links to other top sides in Europe

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has welcomed reports suggesting he will be a summer target for Chelsea and Real Madrid.

By Simone Bargellini

Last Updated: 24/02/13 9:33pm

Antonio Conte: Has impressed at home and abroad during his time in charge of Juventus

Former Italy international Conte is currently back at the club he represented with distinction for over a decade during his play days, with Juve having moved to secure his services in 2011.

It has not always been plain sailing for the 43-year-old in Turin, as he recently served a four-month ban, but he guided Juve to the Serie A title in his first season in charge and has them on course to defend that crown in 2013.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed, with clubs across Europe impressed by his ability to deliver results at home and abroad - with Juventus currently involved in a UEFA Champions League last-16 tussle with Celtic.

It has been rumoured that Chelsea, who are currently working under the guidance of interim boss Rafa Benitez, and Real Madrid, who are expected to part with Jose Mourinho at the end of the season, will both approach Juve once their respective managerial posts become vacant.

Conte is reading little into the speculation for now, but is pleased to hear that his efforts are being recognised outside of the Italian top-flight and admits he could be tempted to take on a new challenge away from his homeland at some stage in the future.

He told Sky Italia: "I've always said that my ambition is to coach abroad one day and I'm pleased to receive marks of esteem from important clubs, it means that we are working well.

"They make Juventus happy too, because it means that they chose well one-and-a-half years ago.

"At the moment I am just thinking about Juventus, to re-establish ourselves in Italy and to do well in Europe."